graphics software

ive been making websites for about a year or 2 (nothing amazing generally practising html/xhtml and kinda just started to move onto css and php
but anyway in college i got taught how to use paint shop pro 7, which as you probably know is ok but nothing amazing.

so i was wondering what software is more advanced ut simple to use - i was looking at fireworks but found this to be fairly complicated, photoshop but this was the same, so ive also looked at illustrator and quark and also psp 8 as this looks more advanced but im not sure if it is but i couldnt decide

so anyhelp but we appreciated
cheers
tony

If it were me (and it was once...), I'd just bite the bullet and learn Photoshop. You don't have to know how to do every trick to make good web graphics. Just learn what you need when you need it.

ive been trying and the most i can make is a 3D ball...which isnt even hard, i want something where i can make brushed metal effects, and shadows easily and a few other good effects, ive been reading tutorials but im sure theyre not using the same program as me because i dont get the same effect lol

Photoshop seems to be the standard amongst web designers. I can't think of a graphic application that is as good as Photoshop. Yes, it is confusing. I've just started using it. It takes a while to learn, but that is simply because of all its features. Sorry, I can't offer much help other than keep trying Photoshop.